Some 47% of people "would not be happy for a gas well site using fracking to open within 10 miles of their home" and only 14% said they would be happy, the poll by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and ICM found.
The result will be a disappointment to government which is hoping to garner support for shale gas exploration.
Those who said they did not support fracking cited mostly concerns over harm to the environment, the noise and disruption large lorries would cause and potential health risks.
Dr Tim Fox, head of energy and environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “These poll results suggest that simply offering money to local councils and communities is not enough to convince the public about the benefits of fracking for gas and that much more work needs to be done to engage with citizens on this potential activity."
The government has offered a number of benefits to local councils as well as local communities which are near possible fracking sites.
